ENG3705
ASSIGNMENT 2 2022
SEMESTER 2
, Dangerous Love
Dangerous Love
Using the extract mentioned as a point of departure, the essay will discuss the
symbolic value of Ifeyiwa’s character in ‘Dangerous Love’ by Ben Okri. Ifeyiwa’s
character becomes the biggest headline throughout the novel, especially with the life
she lives that she has not chosen for herself due to patriarchy. The novel highlights
‘art’ but also refers the novel to art, which is why the historical context of Nigeria, is
an important discussion to have and how it relates to the novel overall (postmodern
and post-colonial). In order to discuss Ifeyiwa’s characterisation, it is important to
understand symbolism before discussing her characters symbolic value. Firstly, what
will be discussed is the historical context of ‘Dangerous Love’.
In 1960, the first republic of Nigeria obtained its independence from the British
Empire (after the split of 50/50 with the colonial power which was Britain. By 1967,
the republic of Biafra was declared in Southeast Nigeria and there was a persecution
of Igbo living in North Nigeria. There was democracy that was re-established to the
present time, the after math of the war which is the focus in the novel is the life of
Lagos in the ghetto of Alaba and the political and social situation in Nigeria which the
main character Omovo highlights. Omovo is an artist who uses his art to mourn and
connect to his mother, and describes his feelings with his neighbourhood as
unpleasant, dirty and referred to as a ‘scum pool’ in especially the compound he
lives in. For Okoro, who is overwhelmed by traumatic memories of the Civil War but
unable to express them through art as Omovo. His art is not embraced by the people
at his compound except for Ifeyiwa, who relates to him as they have the same
interests such as reading novels and they take walks with Omovo and take away
from the ghetto provide them with relief from her husband (who she cannot stand).
His biggest inspiration becomes her, she becomes a part of his art especially at the
end of the novel and her image is embedded in his mind, even after her death. In
‘Dangerous Love’, love and artistic inspiration encompasses feelings into art and his
ASSIGNMENT 2 2022
SEMESTER 2
, Dangerous Love
Dangerous Love
Using the extract mentioned as a point of departure, the essay will discuss the
symbolic value of Ifeyiwa’s character in ‘Dangerous Love’ by Ben Okri. Ifeyiwa’s
character becomes the biggest headline throughout the novel, especially with the life
she lives that she has not chosen for herself due to patriarchy. The novel highlights
‘art’ but also refers the novel to art, which is why the historical context of Nigeria, is
an important discussion to have and how it relates to the novel overall (postmodern
and post-colonial). In order to discuss Ifeyiwa’s characterisation, it is important to
understand symbolism before discussing her characters symbolic value. Firstly, what
will be discussed is the historical context of ‘Dangerous Love’.
In 1960, the first republic of Nigeria obtained its independence from the British
Empire (after the split of 50/50 with the colonial power which was Britain. By 1967,
the republic of Biafra was declared in Southeast Nigeria and there was a persecution
of Igbo living in North Nigeria. There was democracy that was re-established to the
present time, the after math of the war which is the focus in the novel is the life of
Lagos in the ghetto of Alaba and the political and social situation in Nigeria which the
main character Omovo highlights. Omovo is an artist who uses his art to mourn and
connect to his mother, and describes his feelings with his neighbourhood as
unpleasant, dirty and referred to as a ‘scum pool’ in especially the compound he
lives in. For Okoro, who is overwhelmed by traumatic memories of the Civil War but
unable to express them through art as Omovo. His art is not embraced by the people
at his compound except for Ifeyiwa, who relates to him as they have the same
interests such as reading novels and they take walks with Omovo and take away
from the ghetto provide them with relief from her husband (who she cannot stand).
His biggest inspiration becomes her, she becomes a part of his art especially at the
end of the novel and her image is embedded in his mind, even after her death. In
‘Dangerous Love’, love and artistic inspiration encompasses feelings into art and his
